Faithfulness in Small Things

 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 
and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Eph 5:1–2 NRSVue

“Walking in love” is a very meaningful concept. Loving God and loving other people is a daily, hourly, minute by minute way of life. When I go shopping or walk in the park, I often see someone who looks sad or broken and I spontaneously offer a prayer for him or her.

When I pay for groceries at the supermarket checkout, I try to be friendly and take a personal interest in the cashier.

When I walk in the park, I often start friendly conversations with strangers. This can lead to meaningful spiritual communication, although I don’t usually preach to everyone.

I usually get up before my wife and I make a cup of coffee for her. A lifestyle of love may involve intense urgent prayer for people in trouble but if your whole life revolves around spiritual drama and you neglect the little things, you are not “walking in love.”

Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead, but He also washed His disciples’ feet. Husbands often see menial household tasks as the job of their wives, but Jesus was the King of Kings who came to serve. A husband should not always wait for his wife to clean the toilet.

Following Jesus means learning to be like Jesus. Pray for people and expect miracles. Tell people about the love of God, but also help people in little practical ways. Cultivate habits of kind deeds.

I get irritated when Christian casually use biblical words without any thought about the meaning. So often Christians talk about their “Christian walk” but I don’t often hear teaching about the deep meaning behind these words. This expression has sadly become a religious cliché.

Another aspect of the “Christian walk” is a willingness to make small changes in your life, to improve step by step.

If you are a talker, like me, learn to be a better listener. Start at home with your husband or wife and your children. If you are preacher, practice respectfully listening to the concerns and ideas of your church members.

You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,
for human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Jas 1:19–20 NRSVue

If you are untidy, like I am, practise small improvements. Straighten your bed when you get up. Wash dishes after you use them. Learn better habits, step by step.

If you are always compulsively busy, pause from time to time, think about something to thank God for. Pray a short prayer for yourself or someone in need. Go for a short walk in the garden and relax for a few minutes. A machine that works non stop wears out more quickly. The same applies to human beings.